Invasive Plant Removal

Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus aremeniacus)

General considerations  Himalayan blackberry commonly colonizes roadsides and disturbed areas.  When working around blackberry, wear thick pants, long sleeved shirts and leather gloves.  Remove blackberry late summer through early spring (August 1 – April 1) after nesting birds have fledged. The thickets provide protection for nesting birds and the flowers are a food resource for pollinators.  See the Thurston County Integrated Pest Management Sheet (attached) for more information.

Tools and Materials  Loppers  String Trimmer w/metal blades  Machete  Pickaxe-Mattock (See Figure 1)  Digging Fork  Shovel  Tarps  Rope if working on steep slopes

Removal Method Figure 1: Pickaxe-Mattock  Use loppers, machete or a string trimmer to cut canes a few inches above the ground.  Place canes onto a tarp to contain the plants and make them easier to move. Canes can be rolled into bundles and placed on the tarp. Alternately, use loppers to chop them into shorter lengths and rake them onto the tarp.  Use a digging fork, pickaxe-mattock or shovel to remove roots.

Special Considerations for Slopes  Work from the top of the slope to the bottom.  Work carefully to reduce soil disturbance as much as possible.  If necessary, use ropes to haul tarped bundles of canes to the top of the slope. Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ User: Stemonitis

Appendix 1 Invasive Plant Removal—Himalayan Blackberry

Disposal  Blackberry must be disposed of in the landfill if taken off-site. Small amounts can be placed in the garbage.  To compost on site, pile on tarps to keep them from rooting into the ground. Leave to decompose, monitoring periodically to check for rooting canes.

Maintenance/Monitoring  Monitor the area for re-sprouting roots and seedlings for several years. Remove with pickaxe-mattock or digging fork and dispose as above.

Need more information? Contact Michelle at [email protected]

Appendix 1